What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

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Healthy and happy…That’s what every good parent wishes for their child. But what happens when your child is struggling? What if they are displaying behaviors and symptoms that indicate they are not one hundred percent happy or healthy; that something might be off? As parents, we dig deeper. We search for answers to find help for our babies.

Some parents of children with sensory processing disorder may notice this behavior very early on. If you have concerns that your child isn’t reaching and passing their milestones as you believe they should be, you may want to seek the assistance of an Occupational Therapist to determine why they are delayed.

Within these pattern types, however, there are many subtypes. Simply put, SPD symptoms vary dependent on the individual.

Ways Sensory Processing Disorder Affects Children

Red flags for SPD can present themselves as early as infancy; often times starting out as difficulty eating or sleeping. For example, one symptom of sensory processing disorder is an aversion to textured food. You may observe your child not wanting to eat baby food, especially if it has even the slightest bit of texture which may even cause them to vomit.

As children get older, their symptoms develop further. Sensitivities to touch, noises, smells, clothing and other people aren’t uncommon. Some children, for example, can’t tolerate their hands or feet being touched. Simultaneously, they may also crave deep pressure stimulation, which is explained as “firm but gentle squeezing, hugs, or holding that relaxes the nervous system.” Teens and adults with SPD frequently have trouble concentrating, can be impulsive, and often have poor self-esteem.

SPD is one of many “hidden handicaps”. Parents are sometimes criticized by outsiders because their child looks normal but is struggling with a disorder that is out of their control. Breaking down these assumptions begins with spreading awareness of SPD. Additionally, this disorder is not widely known just yet and spreading awareness could help children get the treatment needed with this disorder.

Diagnosing Sensory Processing Disorder in Your Child

Author of Sensational Kids: Hope and Help for Children With Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Lucy Jane Miller, PhD writes, “Early diagnosis leads to early intervention. The sooner an accurate diagnosis is made, the sooner intervention can begin. Many children and their families suffer needlessly for years because of sensory issues that could have been addressed if a sound, professional evaluation had determined that Sensory Processing Disorder was present and treatment had begun sooner.”

Parents of children with SPD may ask themselves, “How did my child develop this?” or “Is this my fault?” There are many factors that may determine why a child might have SPD, one of them being that it can be hereditary. SPD is still being researched and all the answers aren’t there just yet. As parents are made more aware of this disorder and more research is conducted, clearer answers will hopefully be revealed. If you think your child may be suffering with Sensory Processing Disorder, seek professional guidance to get them the help and treatment they need.